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Christ Carrying the Cross

Hans Maler zu Schwaz

1510

oil

panel

From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago

Northern Renaissance Renaissance Renaissance Religious Christ Carrying the Cross

Dominant colour

Christ Carrying the Cross is a 1510 oil by Hans Maler zu Schwaz, a Northern Renaissance work, depicting Christ Carrying the Cross, held at Art Institute of Chicago.

Who painted this?: Hans Maler zu Schwaz
When & what style?: 1510 · Northern Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Art Institute of Chicago

About this work

The painting shows Jesus carrying a large cross, wearing a simple robe. He's surrounded by people, some of whom are looking at him with concern. The scene is somber and quiet. This painting is interesting because it was likely part of a larger altarpiece. It shows a moment from the story of Jesus' crucifixion. To learn more about the use of shading and light in this painting, look into the technique of chiaroscuro.

The story of this work

Overview

This narrow panel was probably part of a predella, the supporting lower portion of an altarpiece, which no doubt featured other scenes from the Passion of Christ. It is most likely an early work by Hans Maler, who worked in Ulm in southwestern Germany before settling in the Tyrol. He is now known chiefly for portraits painted in the later part of his career for members of the imperial family and other prominent sitters. His earlier religious paintings are a variant on the expressive, patterned style and vivid characterization of an accomplished group of painters working in Ulm and nearby…

Provenance

Private collection, France [according to Baldass 1926/27]; Galerie St. Lucas, Vienna, 1926 [Baldass 1926/27]. A. S. Drey, Munich, by 1928; sold to Charles Worcester, Chicago, 1928 [letter from Drey to Worcester, Nov. 26, 1928, Art Institute Archives]; on loan to the Art Institute from 1930; given to the Art Institute, 1947.